Heirloom & Antique Fabrics

Your grandmother’s wedding dress, that gorgeous vintage coat, the antique handbag you found at a thrift store—these kinds of items are special and irreplaceable. Cleaning and storing these delicate items properly is essential to preserving them in the best condition possible.

Cleaning

The agitation of a regular washing machine, even on the gentle cycle, can be too harsh for delicate and aging fabrics. If an item has monetary or sentimental value, don’t take any chances washing it at home.

Some vintage clothing collectors and retailers warn against dry cleaning, but GreenEarth is different. Traditional dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that can be hard on fabric, but GreenEarth is safe and gentle, perfect for antique and vintage garments.

If an accidental spill occurs, or if you bought an antique item with a stain on it, you can try spot cleaning it. See our “Stain Removal” section for instructions on how to treat almost any kind of stain. For information on antique bags and purses, see our “Handbags and Purses” section.

Storage

Garments should always be cleaned before being put away. Even if they look clean, some invisible stains, such as perspiration, take time to interact with the fabric and will appear as brown splotches later. Stop stains before they happen by having your vintage items dry cleaned before storing them.

Do not store items in plastic garment bags. They need to be able to breath, and the plastic may begin to break down and interact with the material of the garment.

Place folded items in acid-free boxes, a cedar chest, or well-ventilated plastic boxes. Do not store in a cedar chest without wrapping in cotton or tissue—the oils that carry the cedar scent can damage fabric over time.

Only hang sturdy items like coats, and use wide padded hangers. More fragile items can be damaged by their own weight, so fold dresses, suit jackets, and other items you would usually hang if they are going to be in storage for a while.

Store all items in a cool (not cold), dark place that is not subject to extreme humidity or temperature changes. Basements, attics, and garages are not the best places for antique items.